Amusement & Coin Operated Machines

Guidelines & Registration

All coin-operated amusement machines are required to display an Occupational Tax Decal. If you place a machine without first paying the fees and displaying a decal, it will be sealed and/or a citation will be issued.

Register

The following guidelines must be followed:

  • If placed, a seal may not be broken by anyone other than a City Investigator. There is a $500 fee for breaking a seal or allowing it to be broken.
  • Machines may be sealed for decals that have been torn, removed, or otherwise invalidated for those decals not affixed to the machine. A machine may also be sealed if the decal is not displayed in a conspicuous location on the machine. Tape or other non-permanent methods may not be used to attach a decal.
  • The owner of the machine is responsible for replacing any decals that have been removed or defaced at the regular price. The City of San Antonio does not sell a replacement decal at a reduced price.
  • There is no grace period for the payment of the occupational tax. All machines must have a decal permanently affixed prior to placing the machine in a location available for use by the public or employees.
  • All machines displaying a State of Texas Amusement Machine license are required to have a City of San Antonio decal attached.
  • Coin decal reminders are not mailed. Owners and operators are responsible for paying the appropriate fees by the due date. 

To contact an Amusement Machine Inspector, please call Metro Health at 210-207-8660.

Fees

The tax is $15 for each machine and is valid from June 1 - May 31 of the following year. The tax is prorated to $7.50 for machines placed in service from December 1 - May 31.

The full $15 tax is required for all sealed machines, regardless of the date the tax is paid. Additionally, a $5 sealing fee will be charged for each machine sealed.

Make a Payment

To pay in person, visit:

City Tower
100 W. Houston St.
San Antonio, TX 78205
Directions